basement walls
W. Sunnyside Ave., Chicago, IL
The original three-brick-thick common brick foundation walls were coated with hard cement plaster and painted with synthetic paint. This caused the walls to become saturated with moisture, leading to the brick and mortar deterioration, leaks, and mold growth. To address this, the outermost layer of brick was removed and fans were installed to aid in the wall drying process. The inner wythe of brick was then repaired, and the walls were rebuilt using new salvaged common brick and lime-based mortar. Finally, several coats of limewash were applied to prevent bacterial growth and mold.
Highland Park, IL
The original foundation walls (three-brick-thick) were coated with a hard cement plaster and painted with synthetic paint, trapping moisture inside. This led to deterioration of the brick and mortar, as well as leaks and mold formation. To remedy the issue, the outer layer of brick was removed, and fans were set up to facilitate wall drying. The inner layer of brick was then restored and coated with limewash, and the walls were reconstructed using salvaged common bricks and lime-based mortar. Lastly, several coats of limewash were applied to inhibit bacterial and mold growth.
